U.S. patent number 9,527,640 [Application Number 14/310,965] was granted by the patent office on 2016-12-27 for methods of manufacturing tamper-resistant and tamper evident containers.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Inline Plastics Corp.. The grantee listed for this patent is Inline Plastics Corp.. Invention is credited to Peter Boback, Tadeusz J. Klimaszewski, Daniel A. Landan, Robert Sellari, Bruce Stein.
United States Patent |
9,527,640 |
Sellari , et al. |
December 27, 2016 |
Methods of manufacturing tamper-resistant and tamper evident
containers
Abstract
A method of thermoforming a tamper-resistant/tamper-evident
container includes forming a cover portion that includes an
outwardly extending peripheral flange, forming a base portion
including an upper peripheral rim and a skirt depending downwardly
therefrom. The upper peripheral rim is configured to communicate
with at least a portion of the outwardly extending peripheral
flange of the cover portion to hinder access to the container when
the container is closed. Forming a hinge joining the cover portion
and the base portion such that the vertical height of the hinge
correlates with the height of the skirt that depends downwardly
from the base portion when the height of the skirt is substantially
uniform around the perimeter of the container and forming at least
one line of weakness in the hinge, the line of weakness is severed
to facilitate removal of the cover portion from the base portion to
open the container.
Inventors: |
Sellari; Robert (Huntington,
CT), Boback; Peter (Stratford, CT), Stein; Bruce
(Easton, CT), Landan; Daniel A. (Oxford, CT),
Klimaszewski; Tadeusz J. (Hamden, CT) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Inline Plastics Corp. |
Shelton |
CT |
US |
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Assignee: |
Inline Plastics Corp. (Shelton,
CT)
|
Family
ID: |
38923837 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/310,965 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20140300034 A1 |
Oct 9, 2014 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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13044776 |
Mar 10, 2011 |
8795580 |
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11483900 |
Jul 10, 2006 |
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11065681 |
Jul 11, 2006 |
7073680 |
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10895687 |
Oct 10, 2006 |
7118003 |
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60489093 |
Jul 21, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
55/024 (20130101); B29D 22/003 (20130101); B65D
43/162 (20130101); B65D 43/163 (20130101); B65D
43/22 (20130101); B65D 43/0254 (20130101); B65D
41/32 (20130101); B65D 2543/0062 (20130101); B65D
2543/00796 (20130101); B65D 2543/00092 (20130101); B65D
2543/00101 (20130101); B65D 2543/00351 (20130101); B65D
2543/00731 (20130101); B65D 2543/00296 (20130101); B65D
2543/00685 (20130101); B65D 2543/00509 (20130101); B65D
2543/00546 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B29C
51/00 (20060101); B65D 55/02 (20060101); B65D
43/22 (20060101); B65D 43/16 (20060101); B65D
41/32 (20060101); B29D 22/00 (20060101); B65D
43/02 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1999-083197 |
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Aug 1999 |
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0 752 374 |
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Jan 1997 |
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EP |
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2219284 |
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Dec 1989 |
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GB |
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2257118 |
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Jan 1993 |
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GB |
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1-114536 |
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Aug 1989 |
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JP |
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2-144531 |
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Dec 1990 |
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JP |
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7-267275 |
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Oct 1995 |
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JP |
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2002012283 |
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Jan 2002 |
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JP |
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WO-9513222 |
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May 1995 |
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WO |
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WO-2005009857 |
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Feb 2005 |
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WO |
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Other References
Transmittal of the International Search Report for PCT/US2007/15739
together with the Written Opinion of the International Searching
Authority (ISA) dated Sep. 10, 2008 (7 pages). cited by applicant
.
Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/2004/023473 dated Nov.
15, 2004. cited by applicant .
European Communication for EP 04 778821.1 dated May 12, 2006. cited
by applicant .
European Communication for EP 04 778821.1 dated Jan. 25, 2007.
cited by applicant .
European Communication for EP 06003237.2 dated Feb. 13, 2008. cited
by applicant .
Extended European Search Report for EP 06003237.2 dated Jun. 7,
2006. cited by applicant .
Russian Office Action dated Jun. 17, 2008 for RU 2006105207/12
(005627). cited by applicant .
Russian Office Action dated Mar. 11, 2010 for RU 2006105515/12
(005971). cited by applicant .
Translation of Ukrainian Office Action dated Oct. 5, 2009 for UA
2006 01701/l. cited by applicant .
Translation of Ukrainian Office Action dated Sep. 3, 2008 for UA
2006 00913/M. cited by applicant .
Canadian Office Action dated Jan. 30, 2013 for CA 2,533,236. cited
by applicant .
Canadian Office Action dated Aug. 20, 2010 for CA 2,533,046. cited
by applicant .
Canadian Office Action dated Jul. 14, 2011 for CA 2,533,046. cited
by applicant .
Canadian Protest dated Apr. 11, 2012 for CA 2,533,046 submitted by
Bereskin & Parr LLP. cited by applicant .
Canadian Office Action dated Oct. 31, 2012 for CA 2,533,046. cited
by applicant .
Canadian Protest dated Aug. 19, 2013 for CA 2,533,046 submitted by
Bereskin & Parr LLP. cited by applicant .
Chinese Office Action dated Jun. 27, 2008 for CN 200480024304.6.
cited by applicant .
Translation of Chinese Office Action for CN200610057668.5 dated
Mar. 2009. cited by applicant .
EasyPak, LLC's Motion for Leave to File Amended Invalidity
Contentions dated Nov. 12, 2013. cited by applicant .
Memo in Support of EasyPak, LLC's Motion for Leave to File Amended
Invalidity Contentions dated Nov. 12, 2013. cited by applicant
.
Defendant's Reply in Support of Its Motion to File Amended
Invalidity Contentions dated Dec. 6, 2013. cited by applicant .
Plaintiff's Opposition to EasyPak's Motion for Leave to File
Amended Invalidity Contentions dated Nov. 26, 2013. cited by
applicant .
Canadian Patent Ofice Office Action dated Feb. 5, 2014 issued in
Canadian Patent Application No. 2,533,046. cited by applicant .
CanadianProtest dated Oct. 7, 2014 filed by Bereskin & Parr in
Canadian Application No. 2,533,046. cited by applicant .
Canadian Office Action dated Apr. 15, 2015 issued in Canadian
Patent application No. 2,533,046. cited by applicant .
Canadian Office Action dated Apr. 1, 2016 issued in Canadian
Application No. 2,533,046. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Sanders; James
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Locke Lord LLP Kramer; Barry
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
The subject application is continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/044,776, filed Mar. 10, 2011, which is a division of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/483,900 filed Jul. 10, 2006,
which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/065,681, filed Feb. 24, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,680, which
is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/895,687 filed Jul. 21, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,003, which
claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/489,093 filed Jul. 21, 2003, the disclosure
of each being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of thermoforming a tamper-resistant/tamper-evident
container comprising: forming a cover portion from a portion of a
single sheet of at least partially transparent plastic material,
wherein the cover portion includes an outwardly extending
peripheral flange; forming a base portion from a portion of the
single sheet including an upper peripheral rim and a skirt
depending downwardly therefrom, wherein, when the container is
closed, the outwardly extending peripheral flange of the cover
portion abuts the upper peripheral rim of the base portion and the
upper peripheral rim of the base portion extends beyond an outer
edge of the outwardly extending peripheral flange of the cover
portion substantially about the perimeter of the container; forming
a hinge from a portion of the single sheet joining the cover
portion and the base portion such that the vertical height of the
hinge correlates with the height of the skirt that depends
downwardly from the base portion when the height of the skirt is
substantially uniform around the perimeter of the container; and
forming at least one line of weakness in the hinge, and wherein the
at least one line of weakness is formed in a manner that the line
of weakness is severed to facilitate removal of the cover portion
from the base portion to open the container, wherein the cover
portion, base portion, hinge and at least one line of weakness are
formed from the single sheet of at least partially transparent
plastic material.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the single sheet of at least
partially transparent plastic material is entirely transparent.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one line of weakness
comprises two or more lines of weakness.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming vents in the
container to promote airflow therethrough.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the base portion further
comprises: forming an upwardly projecting bead in the upper
peripheral rim, the upwardly projecting bead extending
substantially about the perimeter of the container and configured
to substantially surround an edge of the outwardly extending
peripheral flange of the cover portion to hinder access to the
container when the container is closed.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one line of weakness
includes a plurality of lines of weakness that form a frangible
tear strip in the hinge, and wherein, when the frangible tear strip
is severed at least one projection is provided for facilitating
removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the
container.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention is directed to containers and packaging, and
more particularly, to containers and packaging that incorporate
tamper-resistant and tamper-evident features.
2. Background of the Related Art
Disposable containers for packaging, distributing, displaying or
otherwise housing consumer items, especially perishable foods, are
becoming increasingly important. Historically, perishable products
had to be brought to market and sold quickly before exposure to the
atmosphere caused the products to lose their freshness.
The advent of plastics resulted in many products being wrapped or
packaged in plastic, both in the form of flexible plastic bags and
solid plastic containers. The use of plastics in the modern-day
convenience food industry has significantly improved the "shelf
life" of perishable products, allowing both merchants and their
customers to store the products for longer periods of time,
resulting in substantial savings.
It has been found that consumers like recloseable packages,
particularly for comestible products, especially in circumstances
where more than one serving of a comestible product is contained
therein, in order to reduce drying out or other deterioration of
the comestible food product. In addition, consumers prefer to
visually inspect the food product within such containers prior to
purchase. Thus, fabricating containers from clear see-through
plastics is desirable. For example, packaging provided for bakery
goods has often been in the form of clear, plastic clamshell
packaging, because, among other things, such clear, plastic
clamshell packaging, provides a baked-on-the-premises image which
grocery retailers have found to be especially appealing to
consumers.
Typically, plastic containers will include a fairly rigid lid and
base, although they may be subject to some amount of flexure. The
lid provided must be capable of properly and effectively sealing
the container, yet the container must be constructed so that the
lid is relatively easy to remove, and even replace, since it is
expected that the container and lid would normally be reused.
In addition to the aforementioned consumer design preferences, it
is desirable to fabricate containers that include features which
either deter unauthorized tampering or clearly indicate whether
unauthorized tampering has occurred, or both. These
tamper-resistant/tamper-evident features typically include
structural elements which, when the container is tampered with or
opened without authorization, enable the consumer to easily
visually recognize such tampering so that the product can then be
rejected. Such tamper-resistant/tamper-evident elements are
important for, among other things, deterring theft and preventing
the loss of product and income for the seller, as well as
instilling consumer confidence in the integrity of the contents
within the container and confidence in the ability of the seller
and/or manufacturer to provide and maintain quality goods.
Thus, there is a compelling interest in the development of
containers having consumer-preferable design elements, such as
recloseability features which are reliable and easy to operate,
along with tamper-resistant/tamper-evident features that deter
tampering and clearly indicate whether tampering has occurred, and
which are also reliable without being burdensome to the legitimate
consumer. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a
container that meets these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention meets the aforementioned needs, while also
improving upon and solving problems associated with previous
containers by providing, among other things, a tamper-resistant
container with tamper-evident features (also referred to herein as
a "tamper-resistant/tamper-evident container") that includes a
cover portion defining an outwardly extending peripheral flange and
a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge. The upper
peripheral edge of the base portion includes, at least in part, an
upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the
perimeter of the base portion. This bead is configured and
dimensioned to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover
portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed
thereby providing a tamper-resistant container.
The container can further include a hinge joining the outwardly
extending flange of the cover portion with the base portion. The
hinge preferably includes a frangible portion, which upon severing,
facilitates removal of the cover portion from the base portion.
In another embodiment, the container includes a skirt which depends
downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the base portion.
Preferably, the hinge extends from the lower edge of the skirt to
the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become more
readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the
following detailed description of the invention taken in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject
invention pertains will more readily understand how to make and use
the tamper-resistant/tamper-evident evident package disclosed
herein, embodiments thereof will be described in detail below with
reference to the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tamper-resistant/tamper-evident
evident container constructed in accordance with the present
invention in an exemplary circular configuration having a base
portion and cover portion connected to each other by a hinge having
a frangible section;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 1,
illustrating in particular the hinge having a frangible section or
strip, and a suitable location for indicia to be printed
thereon;
FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the container shown in FIG. 1,
illustrating in particular the hinge having a frangible section or
strip and projection associated therewith that extends beyond the
upwardly projecting bead associated with the upper peripheral
surface of the base portion;
FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in
FIG. 1, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, illustrating in particular
the hinge having a frangible section and upper and lower
projections or arms extending from the cover portion and base
portion of the container;
FIG. 5 is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in
FIG. 1, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 8, illustrating in particular
the configuration of the base portion and the structural elements
that facilitate a releasable/recloseable engagement with the cover
portion;
FIG. 6 is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in
FIG. 1, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 8, illustrating in particular
the configuration of the cover portion and the structural elements
that facilitate a releasable/recloseable engagement with the base
portion;
FIG. 7 is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in
FIG. 1, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3, illustrating in particular
the configuration of the base portion and cover portion when the
container is closed and including the structural elements that
facilitate a releasable/recloseable engagement between the base and
cover portions;
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the container shown in
FIG. 1, illustrating in particular the operative association
between the cover portion, base portion and frangible section;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 1, in which
the frangible section has been removed, illustrating the manner in
which the cover portion is separated from the base portion and the
upper and lower projections or arms associated with the cover and
base portions, respectively;
FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the container shown in
FIG. 1, illustrating in particular the manner in which the upwardly
projecting bead on the base portion physically prevents access to
the outer edge of the cover portion, making it difficult to
separate the cover portion from the base portion;
FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the container shown in
FIG. 1, illustrating in particular the manner in which the
frangible section can be removed from the hinge;
FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the container shown in
FIG. 1, illustrating in particular the upper and lower projections
formed by removal of the frangible section and the manner in which
the upper and lower projections facilitate separation of the cover
portion from the base portion;
FIG. 13 is a side view of a two blade knife that can be used to
form the frangible section of a container constructed in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a first blade of the two blade
knife of FIG. 13, illustrating the position of the nicks and
cutting surfaces that can form a first score line of a frangible
section of a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment
of with the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a front plan view of a second blade of the two blade
knife of FIG. 13, illustrating the position of the nicks, cutting
surfaces and offset that can form a second score line of a
frangible section of a container constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of with the present invention;
FIG. 16 is perspective view of a tamper-resistant/tamper-evident
evident container constructed in accordance with the present
invention in an exemplary rectangular configuration having a base
portion and cover portion connected to each other by a hinge having
a frangible section;
FIG. 17 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 16,
illustrating in particular the hinge having a frangible section or
strip, patterned sections on opposing ends thereof, and tabs
defined by the frangible section score line;
FIG. 18 is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in
FIG. 16, taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17, illustrating in
particular the configuration of the hinge, upper and lower
projections and frangible section;
FIG. 19 is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in
FIG. 16, taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 17, illustrating in
particular the configuration of the hinge, upper and lower
projections, frangible section, and score line defining a tab
associated with the lower projection;
FIG. 20 is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in
FIG. 16, illustrating in particular the manner in which the cover
portion is closed on the base portion;
FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of the container shown in
FIG. 16, illustrating in particular the manner in which the
frangible section is removed from the hinge;
FIGS. 22-23 are partial perspective views of the container shown in
FIG. 1, illustrating in particular the manner in which the
separation of the cover portion from the base portion is
facilitated by clasping the patterned section disposed on the upper
projection or arm associated with the cover portion which is formed
upon removal of the frangible section;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
tamper-resistant/tamper-evident container constructed in accordance
with the present invention having an additional engagement
mechanism and support structure for providing enhanced structural
integrity and further securing the base portion and cover portion,
among other things; and
FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the
tamper-resistant/tamper-evident container shown in FIG. 24.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
tamper-resistant/tamper-evident evident container similar to that
depicted in FIGS. 24-25, but including a further variation of a
pattern of reinforcing ribs.
FIGS. 27-28 are perspective views of another embodiment of a
tamper-resistant/tamper-evident evident container made in
accordance with the invention. FIG. 27 is a view of the interior of
such an open container, and FIG. 28 is a view of the exterior of
the container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The advantages of a tamper-resistant/tamper-evident evident
container constructed in accordance with the present invention will
become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the
art from the following detailed description of certain preferred
and exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings
which set forth representative embodiments thereof, but are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Unless otherwise apparent, or stated, directional references, such
as "right," "left," "upper," "lower," "outward," "inward," etc.,
are intended to be relative to the orientation of a particular
embodiment of the invention as shown in the first numbered view of
that embodiment. In addition, a given reference numeral indicates
the same or similar structure when it appears in different figures
and like reference numerals identify similar structural elements
and/or features of the subject invention.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject invention
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 10 includes a generally
circular cover portion 12 and a generally bowl-shaped base portion
14 joined together by a hinge 16. Hinge 16 includes a
tamper-evident frangible section or pull strip 18, which, upon its
removal, severs the integral connection between cover portion 12
and base portion 14.
In use, container 10 would be filled with the contents for which
consumer protection is desired and cover portion 12 would be
engaged with base portion 14. In accordance with the present
invention, cover portion 12 and base portion 14 may include
structural features that facilitate the formation of a
non-permanent engagement between cover portion 12 to base portion
14.
In this embodiment, the non-permanent engagement between cover
portion 12 and base portion 14 is facilitated by, among other
things, a peripheral locking shoulder 20 and an radially inward
circumferential groove 22 formed below an outwardly extending
peripheral flange 24 on cover portion 12, which can be seated
within a corresponding mating circumferential recess 26 on base
portion 14. Circumferential recess 26 on base portion 14 is formed
below an upper peripheral rim 28 and includes a radially inward
projecting rib 30 and a radially inwardly extending rim 32.
When cover portion 12 is closed on base portion 14, projecting rib
30 mates with circumferential groove 22 on cover portion 12 and
extending rim 32 mates with locking shoulder 20 on cover portion
12. In addition, outwardly extending peripheral flange 24 on cover
portion 12 abuts upper peripheral rim 28 on base portion 14.
Container 10 incorporates features which are intended to prevent
and deter opening container 10 without first removing frangible
strip 18 from hinge 16. In this embodiment, container 10 includes
an upwardly projecting bead 34 on base portion 14 that extends
substantially about the perimeter of peripheral rim 28 and is
positioned to surround the outer edge of flange 24 of cover portion
12 when container 10 is closed. The position and upward extension
of bead 34 is configured to hinder the relatively easy method of
removing a cover from conventional containers that may resemble or
have characteristics in common with container 10. As can be best
viewed in FIG. 10, bead 34 physically blocks access to the edge of
peripheral flange 24 on cover portion 12 from fingers or any other
object that might normally be used for leverage to pry cover
portion 12 from base portion 14.
Hinge 16 includes an upper outwardly projecting arm 36 connected to
base portion 14, and a similar lower outwardly projecting arm 38,
which is connected to cover portion 12. In particular, upper arm 36
is connected with a skirt 40 that projects downward from upper
peripheral rim 28 and radially outward with respect to base portion
14. Lower arm 38 is connected with the peripheral flange 24. Upper
and lower arms 36 and 38 are joined together by a common attachment
to frangible strip 18 to form hinge 16.
Preferably, frangible strip 18 is delimited at least in part by a
pair of parallel score lines 42a, 42b or areas that have been
weakened or stressed during the forming process. Frangible strip 18
may be further delimited by a plurality of spaced apart areas in
which material has been removed associated with the score lines, by
a plurality of spaced apart depressions associated with the score
lines, or by perforation lines. The width and depth of the areas
and/or depressions can vary to control the tear resistance offered
by frangible strip 18. Alternatively, the integral hinge 16 could
be formed with a single score line or perforation line, rather than
a pair of score lines. In this instance, the single score line
could be severed to create a pair of projections which would be
used to open the container.
In this embodiment, strip 18 includes laterally opposed grasping
tabs 44a and 44b to provide a convenient location for gripping
strip 18. Preferably, instructional indicia is imprinted on strip
18 to facilitate its removal from hinge 16 and/or consumer
understanding of the significance of its removal as it relates to
product tampering. Strip 18 and/or the instructional indicia
preferably thereon can be colored or embossed, or otherwise
fabricated to direct attention thereto.
As can be best viewed in FIGS. 11 and 12, detaching frangible strip
18 from hinge 16 of container 10 leaves behind upper and lower arms
36 and 38 on cover portion 12 and base portion 14, respectively.
Upper and lower arms 36 and 38 extend outwardly from container 10
and can be used to facilitate removal of cover portion 12 from base
portion 14, once strip 18 has been removed, by applying sufficient
opposing force to disengage locking shoulder 20 from within
circumferential recess 26.
The presence of bead 34 prevents unauthorized access to the
contents of container 10 by making it difficult to pull cover
portion 12 from base portion 14. If access to container 10 is
desired, strip 18 must be removed so that upper and lower arms 36
and 38 are free to be used to leverage cover portion 12 from base
portion 14. Cover portion 12 may be replaced on base portion 14
after container 10 is opened. Strip 18, however, once removed, is
not replaceable. Thus, removal of strip 18 functions as a clear
indicator of possible tampering, in that if strip 18 is partially
or fully removed prior to purchase, it is readily apparent to a
consumer that someone may have already gained access to the
contents of container 10.
FIGS. 13-15 illustrate an exemplary configuration for a double
scoring blade having blades 46a, 46b, which can be used in a punch
press system or the like to form score lines 42a, 42b in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. Various dimensions of
blades 46a, 46b are also provided herein as a non-limiting
example.
The lateral separation L1 between blades 46a, 46b is in this
embodiment about 0.36 inches. The length L2 of blades 46a, 46b is
about 2.25 inches. Blades 46a, 46b include an offset recessed
portion 48 with a series of substantially similar nicks 50 cut
therein between cutting edges 52. The width L3 of cutting edges 52
is preferably 0.36 inches. Preferably, the offset L4 between
recessed portion 48 and cutting edges 52 is approximately 0.001
inches.
In this embodiment, blade 46a includes seven (7) nicks 50 while
blade 46b includes eight (8) nicks 50. The nicks 50 on blade 46a
are offset with respect to the nicks 50 on blade 46b, which results
in a desirable zipper-like effect when removing strip 18.
Preferably, nicks 50 are triangular shaped, about 0.010 inches deep
and about 0.020 inches wide, and define an approximately 90 degree
angle at its deepest convergence point 54. The length L5 between
nicks 50, as measured between the respective convergence points 54
of adjacent nicks 50, is approximately 0.252 inches. The length L6
between the respective convergence points 54 of adjacent offset
nicks 50 on blade 46b is about 0.126 inches. The length L7 of
blades 46a, 46b is about 0.1 inches, and each blade edge defines an
angle of about 45 degrees.
It should be readily understood that a container constructed in
accordance with the present invention, which is preferably a
plastic container used for carrying edible items, can be
manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be formed
from resins or plastic materials such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate
("PETE"), as well as other suitable materials or combinations
thereof. The forming process can also vary to include methods such
as thermo-forming, injection molding or blow molding. The container
can be transparent or translucent, and may be colored in either
instance. Also, vents can be provided in the container to promote
airflow therethrough, if appropriate based on the intended contents
of the container.
Preferably, container 10 is formed from a roll of PETE subjected to
a vacuum and pressure mold with plug assist. During manufacture,
blades 46a, 46b of FIGS. 13-15 are preferably applied to a newly
formed container 10 to impart score lines 42a, 42b thereon. Cutting
edges 52 cut substantially through the material used to make
container 10. Preferably, the configuration of blades 46a, 46b are
designed so that a desirable amount of force is necessary to remove
strip 18, as determined by consumer trials for example. Those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the configuration
of blades 46a, 46b can be adjusted for a variety of reasons, and
the above dimensions are exemplary of one embodiment of the present
invention.
For example, various other methods can be employed to form
frangible strip 18 of hinge 16. For example, score lines, nicks or
penetrations can be created with the molding tool itself during the
forming step. Alternatively, a high die forming process can be
employed where, after the forming step, the container is indexed to
a trim station, where one or more knives liberate the container and
create the score lines or perforations. Also, an intermittent
cutter can be employed between the forming step or the trim step, a
progressive punch and die operation can be employed, or a
numerically controlled laser can be employed to create the nicks.
It is also envisioned that electro-mechanical, ultra-sonic or
hydrodynamic systems can be employed in the forming process.
Container 10 could also be formed with locking arrangements known
in the art other than the tamper-resistant/tamper-evident evident
closure of the subject invention, such as traditional male and
female locking features.
Referring to FIGS. 16-23, there is illustrated another
tamper-resistant/tamper-evident evident container constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and
designated generally by reference numeral 110. Container 110 is
similar to container 10 described above except that container 110
is rectangular in configuration rather than circular. Container 110
thus includes a base portion 114 and a cover portion 112 joined
together by an integrally formed hinge 116 that defines a
tamper-evident frangible pull strip 118, which must be removed
before cover portion 112 can be readily removed from base portion
114.
Container 110 includes embossed or raised patterned sections 156a
and 156b on opposing tabs 144a and 144b of strip 118, respectively,
to facilitate removal of strip 118. Patterned sections 158a and
158b are also disposed on opposing sides of upper arm 136 to
facilitate separation of cover portion 112 from base portion 114.
Instructional indicia can be imprinted on upper arm 136 between
patterned sections 158a and 158b.
In this embodiment, score line 142b is situated on hinge 116 to
define two tabs 160a and 160b which are connected with lower arm
138. Tabs 160a, 160b remain in place on hinge 116 until strip 118
is removed, as can be best viewed in FIGS. 21-23. Tabs 160a, 160b
extend from lower arm 138 to further facilitate gripping lower arm
138 and separation of cover portion 112 from base portion 114.
FIGS. 24-26 illustrate other tamper-resistant/tamper-evident
evident containers constructed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the subject invention and designated generally by
reference numeral 210. Container 210 is rectangular in shape, but
may be formed in other shapes, and has similar features to
containers 10 and 110 described above. Container 210 includes,
among other things, a base portion 214 and a cover portion 212
joined together by an integrally formed hinge 216 that defines a
tamper-evident frangible pull strip 218, which must be removed
before cover portion 212 can be readily removed from base portion
214. An upwardly projecting bead 234 is disposed on peripheral rim
222 of base portion 214. Bead 234 is positioned to substantially
surround the outer edge of flange 224 of cover portion 212 when
container 210 is closed, thus physically blocking access by fingers
or any other object that could be applied to the edge of peripheral
flange 224 and rim 222 for leverage while attempting to pry cover
portion 212 from base portion 214.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 24-25 a plurality of supporting ribs
262a-f, each extending from about the enclosed bottom of base
portion 214 to about extending rim 232 are positioned at the four
corners (ribs 262a-d, respectively) of base portion 214 and the
midpoints on hinge side wall 264 (rib 262e) and opposing side wall
266 (rib 262f) of base portion 214 to provide enhanced structural
integrity. Supporting ribs 262a-f generally consist of multiple
elongated, arcuate portions, each having a curved latitudinal
cross-sectional profile, positioned adjacently with respect to one
another.
In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 26, a multiplicity of ribs 262
are provided distributed about the bottom of base portion 214 as
well as about the peripheral wall 214a of base portion 214.
Applicants have discovered that the disclosed arrangement of ribs
262 about base portion 214 provides particularly advantageous
performance. Over two dozen containers were tested having various
rib patterns. However, the container disclosed in FIG. 26 exhibited
the most superior performance. By way of illustration only, the
container depicted in FIGS. 24-25, without the rib pattern of the
container in FIG. 26 may be made, for example, from a
thermoformable material such as polyethylene terephthalate sheet in
a thickness range from about 12 mils to about 40 mils, and
preferably from about 14 mils to about 25 mils, depending on the
size of the container. For example, it may be desirable to form a
smaller container from a thinner gauge material than a larger
container.
It has been discovered that the container depicted in FIG. 26 can
be made from a substantially thinner gauge of sheet material than
that depicted in FIG. 25. A 32 ounce container as depicted in FIG.
25 made of polyethylene terephthalate, for example, can be made
from a 25 mil sheet. In contrast, an even stronger container as
depicted in FIG. 26 can be made from a 22 mil sheet. It is further
believed that such a container could be made of a 20 mil sheet of
polyethylene terephtalate. This accordingly may result in a 20%
material savings, which can result in significant cost reduction
for making a container of a given size.
As further disclosed in these embodiments, a circumferential
engagement sealing interface between cover portion 212 and base
portion 214 is defined in part by a plurality of outwardly bowed
arcuate portions 290. As depicted, outwardly bowed arcuate portions
290 are connected by rounded corner portions 292.
Container 210 may also include an additional independent, engaging
mechanism that provides even further structural integrity, enhances
security by urging flange 224 to remain in position against
peripheral rim 222, and facilitates the reattachment of cover
portion 212 to base portion 214, among other things. As depicted in
FIGS. 24 and 25, for example, male engaging member 268 projects
upwardly from supporting rib 262f on side wall 266 which is
received by a correspondingly sized female engaging member 270
defined on cover portion 212.
Thus, when container 210 is closed, male engaging member 268 on
base portion 214 and female engaging member 270 on cover portion
212 form an engagement which further secures base portion 214 to
cover portion 212. In addition to urging flange 224 against rim
222, the aforementioned features increase the amount of force that
would be necessary to pry cover portion 212 from base portion 214
in an unauthorized manner (i.e., without removal of strip 218).
Also, the aforementioned engagement facilitates the reattachment of
cover portion 212 with base portion 214 after container 210 is
opened legitimately by a consumer. Container 210 can be reclosed
after purchase by urging cover portion 212 onto base portion 214,
and in particular, this can be accomplished by pressing on the
corners of cover portion 212, as indicated by instructional indicia
printed in the outer corner areas of cover portion 212 in this
embodiment. In reclosing container 210, the initial engagement of
male member 268 with female member 270 facilitates the subsequent
step of applying pressure on the corners of cover portion 212,
making it easier to reattach cover portion 212 to base portion 214.
It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that
other engagement mechanisms, devices, engagements and container
designs, and combinations thereof, could be incorporated in any
embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 27-28 illustrate another tamper-resistant/tamper-evident
evident container constructed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the subject invention and designated generally by
reference numeral 310. Container 310 is generally round in shape,
but may be formed in other shapes, and has similar features to
containers 10, 110 and 210 described above. Container 310 includes,
among other things, a base portion 314 and a cover portion 312
joined together by an integrally formed hinge 316 that defines a
tamper-evident frangible pull strip 318, which must be removed
before cover portion 312 can be readily removed from base portion
314. An upwardly projecting bead 334 is disposed on peripheral rim
322 of base portion 314. Bead 334 is positioned to substantially
surround the outer edge of flange 324 of cover portion 312 when
container 310 is closed, thus physically blocking access by fingers
or any other object that could be applied to the edge of peripheral
flange 324 and rim 322 for leverage while attempting to pry cover
portion 312 from base portion 314.
In this embodiment, a plurality of supporting gussets 362a-h, each
extending from about the enclosed bottom of base portion 314 to
about extending rim 332 are disposed proximate the eight corners of
base portion 314 to provide enhanced structural integrity. Gussets
362 also define interior spaces 363 that can be used to facilitate
fingers of a user to remove an object (such as a pie, for example)
from container 310. Container 310 can also be provided with lower
and upper vents 364, 365 respectively, disposed circumferentially
proximate the top and bottom of the container 310 to facilitate
defrosting or heating of the contents of container 310. In the case
of a frozen pie, for example, warm air can be drawn in through
upper vents 365. As air enters through upper vent 365, it is
cooled, and sinks out through lower vent 364. If desired, vents 364
can be positioned proximate the lower portions of gussets 362,
whereby each gusset can act as an air duct to facilitate transport
of air through the container. It will be appreciated that vents
364, 365 can also operate to cool the contents of container 310,
whereby relatively cool ambient air can be drawn in through lower
ducts 364 and out of upper ducts 365, whereby the air is heated by
the contents of the container to drive the flow. It will be
appreciated that the location of vents 364, 365 can be varied, as
desired. As depicted, vents 365 are disposed in welled recesses
that form ribs 372 in cover portion 312 of container 310.
It was discovered through experimentation that it is desirable to
have gussets 362 extend as close to the bottom 317 of base 314 as
possible. This spreads out the load of the contents of container
310 over a larger area of containers 310 when containers 310 are
stacked. It has also been discovered that it is desirable to have
gussets 362 extend up to flange 375 to prevent flexure of container
310 to prevent flange 324 from being separated from bead 334. These
design features significantly help make container 310 more tamper
resistant by making container 310 more resistant to flexure.
As depicted, bottom 317 of base 314 is generally octagonal, and is
adapted and configured to nest within the octagonal recess 312a
formed in cover portion 312. The octagonal features permit
directional stacking which can facilitate the alignment, transport,
display and merchandizing of goods. It will be understood that
other shapes besides octagonal can be used, as understood by those
of skill in the art.
As depicted in FIG. 27, gussets 362 are adapted and configured so
that gussets 362 can act as guides for guiding container between
parallel rails (the locations of which being represented by axes X)
of a guiding device to move, stack, fill and/or close containers
310, if desired.
As further disclosed in this embodiment, a circumferential
engagement sealing interface between cover portion 312 and base
portion 314 is defined in part by a rounded segment 390, a
relatively straight segment 392 and two rounded corner portions
394. The shape of interface is adapted and configured to provide
substantial resistance to ensure container 310 is relatively tamper
resistant.
Container 310 also includes an additional independent, engaging
mechanism that provides even further structural integrity, enhances
security by urging flange 324 to remain in position against
peripheral rim 322, and facilitates the reattachment of cover
portion 312 to base portion 314, among other things. A plurality of
male engaging members 368 project upwardly from base portion 314
disposed circumferentially about container 310. Male engaging
members 368 actually cooperate to urge flange 324 against
peripheral rim 322. This advantageously helps prevent tampering
with the container. Members 368 also facilitate in guiding and
aligning cover portion 312 with base portion to facilitate the
reclosing of container 310 after it has been opened.
It will be understood that the cover portions 12, 112, 212 and 312
and base portions 14, 114, 214 and 314 can be made of different
colored materials. For example, all or a part of the cover portions
and/or base portions can be transparent while the rest of the
container can be translucent or opaque. In accordance with one
embodiment, two-tone sheeting is used (such as PETE) wherein a dark
opaque material is mated adjacently to a transparent segment. The
separation between the two sections can be routed in the machine
direction of the thermoforming machine used to make the containers.
The transition area from transparent to opaque can be aligned with
the tamper evident strip of the container so that the cover portion
can be a different color than (or transparent or translucent
compared to) the base portion.
Although exemplary and preferred aspects and embodiments of the
present invention and forming methods have been described with a
full set of features, it is to be understood that the disclosed
container and method of manufacture may be practiced successfully
without the incorporation of each of those features. The scope of
the present invention is not limited only to the
tamper-resistant/tamper-evident evident containers and methods of
manufacture disclosed herein. Thus, it is to be understood that
modifications and variations may be utilized without departure from
the spirit and scope of the invention and method disclosed herein,
as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such
modifications and variations are considered to be within the
purview and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *